Recap: The Golden Knights did a great job defending Connor McDavid and the Oilers for the opening 15 minutes but it wouldn’t last. Edmonton picked up two quick goals in the final two minutes of the period to take a 2-0 lead into the first intermission.
Edmonton stretched their lead early in the middle frame but Vegas quickly answered. Chandler Stephenson backhanded in his eighth of the season getting his team back within two.
Vegas came out strong in the final period outshooting Edmonton 11-2 in the first 10 minutes. Reilly Smith made it a one goal game when he tapped in his ninth of the season. The Golden Knights couldn’t find the tying goal and lost a tight divisional battle.
The Golden Knights record drops to 12-9-0 after falling to the Oilers 3-2. Vegas hits the road for a short two game road trip beginning in Anaheim on Wednesday night. Puck drop against the Ducks is scheduled for 7 PM. (Recap by Jason)
Analysis: The Golden Knights have really lived or died by their defense chipping in offensively. Tonight, they got caught trying to help out far too often and it led to what felt like an endless string of breakaways for Edmonton. VGK pushed back but couldn’t find the game tying goal before time ran out. (Recap by Ken)
Upcoming stories from the Vegas Golden Knights vs. Edmonton Oilers game at T-Mobile Arena.
- PK Breakdown Video
Ken’s Three VGK Stars
*** Jonathan Marchessault
** Chandler Stephenson
* Brayden McNabb
Great push back from the Golden Knights in that 3rd period.
In the end, they come up short in a game in which neither McDavid nor Draisaitl record a point. Tough to lose one when that happens.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) November 28, 2021
VGK gonna need more from their depth guys if they want to get back into this game.
Carrier, Howden, Brooks, Kolesar, Janmark, Dadonov… where have these guys been tonight?
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) November 28, 2021
Robin Lehner and Reilly Smith have both mentioned having a lot more offensive zone time in this game compared to many in the past.
While I agree, they definitely had it, one has to wonder how much of it was because of the score. When it was tied, the possession felt fairly even.
— SinBin.vegas (@SinBinVegas) November 28, 2021
knights fan in minny
koskie the keeper played out of hismind
Concerned
Forget not winning the cup with RL in goal, might not make it out of the Pacific with him. He really struggles against breakaways, other teams seem to have incredibly high conversion %s on these. Yes this is a team d issue for sure but the goalie has to stop some of these with higher success. Gives up softies at times and can get rattled and let in multiples in short time periods at times.
Richie-Rich
My analysis remains true with this loss. VGK needs to average 4 or more goals to beat the better teams in this league with Lehner in net. I say that without even having seen the game yet.
VGK will lose the majority of all games where they score 2 goals or less and at 3 goals per game it will be close. With Lehner in net – 4 goals average is a must have.
Pistol Pete
Assuming all starting goaltenders keep their GAA below 3 really means if you average scoring 3 you win. Most games are won with 3 or more goals I would say. Goaltenders allow between 2and 3, therefore scoring 3 is enough statistically speaking. Lehner is no different.
Richie-Rich
No, Lehner is much different in that when it comes to the better teams the offense has to score 4 or more minimum. That’s the point. Sure, on average across the entire game schedule it’s a different story. But with Lehner vs better teams…. 4 is the minimum.
Pistol Pete
At this point in the season I won’t concede that the VGK will be unable to win the Cup with Lehner as starter, however I am giving your contention consideration as we continue to move forward.
What do you think about Brossoit and Thompson?
Richie-Rich
Brossoit is pretty much an unknown. Could he be a #1? A 6th round draft choice in 2011, Laurent has been nothing more than a back up. His statistics also have not been all that good. Since his debut in 2014 with Edmonton he’s only started 87 total games.
GAA of 2.83, 35 Wins 33 Losses, 5 Ties and a SV% of .908
These numbers do NOT inspire confidence.
I am not sure why VGK felt the need to take a chance on Brossoit as the back up when there likely wasn’t much difference between Brossoit and Thompson in terms of risk, plus the price was right.
The jury is out on Thompson, he was not drafted but Kelly has a history with him and I was surprised that he didn’t bring him up to back up Lehner. The only reason why I think Brossoit was brought in is because the jury is still also out on Lehner and Kelly wanted an experienced NHL goalie backing him up.
sb
What on Earth are you talking about? He’s been in the League 10 years and has a lifetime GAA of 2.73. Why does VGK need 4 goals per game to better Lehner’s average of 2.73? Here’s another point – teams rarely, rarely have ever averaged 4 goals per game over the course of 82 games. What you are demanding simply almost never happens. That’s 330 goals for the season. Great teams average 3.2 to 3.5 goals per game. Four goals per game? Maybe the 1983 Oilers, but those guys are coming out of retirement. What’s your real point here? You hate Robin Lehner and you miss MAF.
Richie-Rich
You must not be a very good comprehensive reader.
I said “against the better teams in the league”. Against the better teams Lehner won’t hack it. VGK offense had better score at least 4 goals per game against THE BETTER TEAMS in this league. Period.
Daryl
Was it really a tap in from Smith???
As for the game, I don’t understand why teams continue to play like the Oilers did late in games when they have the lead… they almost gave the game away. I understand not being aggressive, but basically sitting back and just pushing the puck out of your own zone will get you burned.
I like RL comment after the game that they have to remember who they are playing and that this wasn’t a typical game from VGK. Not exactly sure what he was referring to, but if it was about the break-always that is EXACTLY the type of game VGK plays. Sometimes they don’t get burned by having their defensemen jump up in the offensive zone, but sometimes they do… .and this was one of those times. I’ve said from the start I don’t like that offensive scheme.
Name the last team to win a Cup where the defensemen lead the NHL in scoring (from another poster)…..
Richie-Rich
Don’t worry – EICHEL IS COMING AND ALL WILL BE SOLVED!
Right…….
Harry Balls
A few weeks ago it was nothing but … we need stone.. we need pac… well Ya got em so what’s the problem now? Lemme guess … we need krebs…
I forgot!,, it’s the goalies fault!!!
Tim
Well I’ve been won over I never thought we were good enough to win the Stanley Cup and what little hope I had died with Lehner. Enough said.
sb
Statisically, Robin Lehner has been one of the top five goaltenders over the past five years. He has a lifetime GAA of 2.73. At $5 million, he’s a bargain for the VGK. As far as those Brossoit comments over Thompson, Thompson’s got about 3 periods of NHL experience. McCrimmon and McPhee know where Thompson is in his career. They went out and got Brossoit because they do not believe Thompson is ready for the NHL. Man, give the GM’s a little credit here. I simply do not understand why so many here think Thompson is ready for the NHL. Three periods of NHL hockey? Brossoit and his 7 years of experience and .908 SA is just fine for a backup.
Daryl
We don’t know if he’s ready, and until he gets a chance we may never k ow. Look at Whitecloud, granted he was injured when Hague came up, didn’t get a chance to prove himself in the NHL but look at him now. Same could be said for Thompson if he were to be given a chance
Pistol Pete
Held McDavid and Draisaitl to zero points…not a one. All those shots causes one to wonder if an Eichel would have put one in.
Pistol Pete
Eichel gets a lot of assists as well. His playmaking could have set up a goal this game. It’s about adding another scoring difference maker to the roster. An elite player who will elevate the game of the entire roster. VGK has the culture for that.
Daryl
What you are saying is very possible… but it’s also very possible it doesn’t change the outcome. VGK generated scoring chances, so its not like they didn’t have opportunities. You also have to take into consideration that while adding Eichel might improve the 1st line, Stephenson will get demoted to 3C which will greatly hurt his production.
Pistol Pete
The one thing that stands out for me over the history of the VGK is a recurring occurence of many shots and few goals. Not all the time as there have been many games where they get 3 goals or more. It just seems sometimes they can’t get in the net on high danger chances where your McDavid, Crosby, Draisaitl, McKinnon etc. rarely misses. Definitely Eichel is more that type of gifted shooter.
Pistol Pete
I mean I realize Jack will miss too, it’s just that aside from Pacioretty this team has never had a truly elite goal scorer. Patch is in that category. He’s not the skater or stick handler Eichel is, but like Eichel his wrist shot is awesome in it’s release and accuracy. These gifted shooters, it just comes to them like it doesn’t to others. They have that vision on the goaltender’s space, when to go between the pads, which side or upstairs and their accuracy is elite. Watch the Eichel highlights and it’s obvious. He can also rush in, around and through defenders with his strength, stick and speed.
Richie-Rich
EICHEL THE SAVIOR WILL SINGLE HANDEDLY PUT VGK OVER THE TOP!
Okay….but the bad ice is gonna get him.
Pistol Pete
VGK can take EDM in a series.
Daryl
Until VGK learns to play 60min or close thereto, them beating any team in a series isn’t a guarantee
pistol
I would say it’s rare for any team to put together a 100% complete 60 min. I just feel VGK can beat EDM that’s all. They lost twice at home to them this season, first was with a crazy short roster and still not 100%. EDM is improved but VGK is still a more complete better coached team imo. I doubt EDM goes far in the post season.
Daryl
Agreed on the full 60min game… And I have no doubt that VGK can beat them, I’m just not sure about aa series though. When VGK is playing on all cylinders, I think they can beat any team, but for me, they have too many let down periods or even short periods of the game that would cost them.
TS
THANKS! I just opine on what I observe. I truly appreciate the support. I dunno WHY this clown Alex has such a problem with me. He’s STILL AT IT. Maybe he’s just intimidated by WOMEN WHO HAVE VOICES AND OPINIONS.
Pistol Pete
I am beginning to consider the feasibility of Stephenson taking Karlsson’s place on the second line—keep Smith. That would be trade Karly. Roy C the 3rd.
Karly must know this is a possibility. Look for him to go all out when he returns. Stephenson, can he maintain this pace? Last season his stats were nearly identical to Karlsson. Four fewer points and a similar +/-. Not a show stopping season for either, actually. We’ll see how it goes.
Howard
Yes, and move Stone to line 2, move marchy to line 1 as I’ve said before….. Stone and Eichel on same line are redundant as they’re both playmakers first, goal scorers 2nd.
Marchy on l1 gives you 2 goal scorers with a playmaker in Eichel. L2 u place Stone there as the playmaker with Stephenson and assuming Smith stays, as your scorers. If Smith is traded, then Dandanov on l2.
WK centering l3 can give you a defensive identity 3rd line to carry minutes to match up and be “stoppers.”
Pistol Pete
Stephenson has a ways to go in convincing me he takes Karlsson’s place. Last season, his best, he’s 35 pts., 4 less than Karlsson, but in 5 fewer games. This season Stephenson is on pace for 80 pts. which is probably a stretch IMO.
Karlsson: 15 G/24 A/+19 (56 games)
Stephenson 14 G/21 A/+22 (51 games)
If they can determine Stephenson has permanently elevated his game, gamble that he has, then they may make the switch. If Karlsson gets red hot sensing he needs to elevate his game to keep his job, they may leave him where he is.
TS
Lazy passing.. Too many turnovers. Lehner did his job, considering all those turnovers. Their goalie filled the net well. But VGK coulda, shoulda won that game, especially when we shut down their main scorers. We let an important game get away.
Alex
Dumbest fanbase in sports on display here yet again…
Lehner blows every breakaway
knights fan in minny
dumb ass is back did you go looting on friday BOY
TS
Thanks minny— I only seek to learn more about hockey, and when I comment, it is just my opinion. As are many posts. I may indeed be wrong at times,, but that’ s okay. I’m learning the game. Thanks for calling Alex out. Pauly was bad enough on the site…I
knights fan in minny
there the same person you can tell by the logo and what he says its very annoying
knights fan in minny
how precious coming from the dumbest person on the planet thats you alex BOY
TS
minny: I get it: Alex IS Pauly. One and the same. When he said ” dumbest fanbase”, it was a dead giveaway…they are ONE. And they are BOTH ignorant.
TS
Akex: is this NOT an site to express opinions about hockey??? Well, THAT is MINE. If you don’t like people’s opinions, you can go elsewhere. We are ALL Entitled to our OWN thoughts. Even you. But DO IT WITHOUT THE PUTDOWNS!!
Alex
So dumb…I have a feeling you misunderstand all sports
knights fan in minny
explain it to us fraud boy you have shown you no nothing about puck just insults i know why you do it because your daddy left home when you were little boy
TS
And I have a feeling you have a REALLY BAD ATTITUDE.
knights fan in minny
he is just a jack ass with nothing better to do lonely little punk
THE hockey GOD
right on TS, smartest post of the day. Stone’s turn over was a killer. Oilers finishers did their job, VGK finishers did not.
One of the oiler’s shots was perfect, right off the inside of post, even MAF would not have stopped that one. Not goalie’s fault for this game, the other goalie played well, but VGK finishers could not get it past him at critical junction of the game.
The Oiler announcers are the best yet, professional, yet very funny.
Alex
More lack of basic hockey understanding from the “bad ice” idiot.
Lehner did his job? That nut case can’t stop a breakaway, and flops worse than the pathetic TS “career” and is so slow to get back up.
Dumbest fan base in sports
TS
THANKS! I just opine on what I observe. I truly appreciate the support. I dunno WHY this clown Alex has such a problem with me. He’s STILL AT IT. Maybe he’s just intimidated by WOMEN WHO HAVE VOICES AND OPINIONS.
TS
Thanks for the support! And for understanding we ALL have the right to share opinions WITHOUT being judged. Or STALKED for it, as ” alex/ pauley” does.
Alex
You have a “right” to offer a public internet opinion without being judged? Your “opinions” demonstrate total hockey ignorance. You yourself uproariously admit you’re “learning…”
You think you are “stalked” when you YOURSELF reveal personal information on that same public internet and a reader takes you up on it and googles your name?
You’re not just a dumb know nothing hockey person – you’re just dumb.
I couldn’t give an F about you, your linkedin sad, sad page, your pension that wouldn’t buy a used Yugo, etc etc. But you posted your identity – how dumb is that?
But you can count on me to “judge” your ignorant and asinine hockey posts. They fit it, albeit on the bottom end, of the general posters on here – just about all these idiots know next to nothing about hockey. From “bad ice” to mall cops to blaten midwestern racists, this fan base is a joke, You are just one of the funnier ones, with your all cap outrage over your own posting of your identity.
Daryl
You talk about how stupid others are and how little hockey knowledge they have but. You have yet to even once demonstrate any jockey knowledge on here. Please give us some of your “expert” hockey knowledge so the rest of us can become smarter
TS
YET YOU ARE THE O-N-L-Y ONE WHO EVER TROLLED ME. WHAT DOES THAT TELL Y-O-U ?? WELL, WISE GUY, I HAVE YET TO SEE YOU POST ANYTHING BUT SHIT ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE. WHERE IS THAT WEALTH OF HOCKEY KNOWLEDGE YOU CLAIM TO POSESS? CAUSE ALL I’VE SEEN IS YOUR IGNORANCE AND HUGE CHIP ON YOUR SHOULDER.
I FEEL SORRY FOR YOU, THAT YOU SPEND YOUR TIME TROLLING PEOPLE. THAT IT AMUSES YOU TO PISS EVERYONE OFF. IS THAT Y-O-U-R ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER???
knights fan in minny
that 3rd grade education keeps you from giving a hockey opinion pauly BOY did you have fun today dribbling with your monkey friends
Alex
Uh, your all caps lock is on…
Dumbest fans in all of sports…it never occurred to you not to reveal personal information about yourself on line?
So dumb
Bob Hobrough
why are you going to steal personal info off here i know that what your color likes to do steal
Daryl
Still waiting for you to show us how smart you are
Daryl
RL did decent but not good…. One shot was placed really well but we all know he keeps his glove hand low so you go high. They other two he should have been a led to stop. Just because there is a breakaway doesn’t mean it’s a clean breakaway. I don’t out all the blame on him though. This is just what we get in PDB system… aggressive Dmen and plenty of odd man rushes
The hockey GOD
Oiler announcers stated more than once VGK giving up most high quality chances so far. Uncharacteristic of play from last year
Daryl
It is uncharacteristic from last year, but that is how they have been playing almost all year. It looks as if PDB is all about offense and scoring this year and not worried about defense
Alex
Well, since you asked, Bill Shoemaker is likely the best jockey of all time…
knights fan in minny
does he ride cock roaches like the ones in your run down apartment in the hood
Alex
“No” nothing…TS is a broke welfare type so dumb she actually once posted her real name, and minny is a typical semi-literate idiot who doesn’t know “no” from “know”
Dumbest fanbase in sports confirmed yet again
TS
Alex alias Pauly alias Stalker: Wtf is wrong with you, dude?? WHY ARE YOU POSTING LIES ABOUT ME? WTF DID I DO TO YOU, THAT YOU ARE AGAIN SMEARING ME ON THIS C SITE?? LEAVE MY LIFE OUTTA THIS. Don’t make it personal, dude. AND FYI: I AM NOT A WELFARE-TYPE. I AM A SENIOR CITIZEN, WORK PART-TIME, SPEND MY OWN MONEY, N-O-T THE GOVERNMENT’S, AND LEAD A RESPECTABLE, HONEST LIFE..WHY DO YOU HAVE A PROBLEM WITH ME??? LEAVE ME ALONE.
Bob Hobrough
your nothing but lazy punk ass nog malt liquor drinking loser who will not explain why we know nothing because his 3rd grade education will not allow him right BOY
TS
Notice he only attacks WOMEN?? IGNORANT A-N-D A COWARD. thnx for calling him out for what he is…
Alex
So very dumb…doesn’t read, either…I have called out the mall cop who doesn’t understand hockey, the “bad ice” old fart who thinks there is such a thing in modern indoor NHL arenas, along with idiotic old bags like you who are so stupid, they allow any poster to look at Transparent Nevada and Linkedin to comfirm a 19K a year govt pension as a loser part time teacher who can’t keep a man…
No wonder the fan base is properly characterized by outsiders as dumbest in sports…
knights fan in minny
hey clown when are you going to explain hockey to us this should be good coming from a malt liquor lazy loser go outside and dribble with the other monkeys
TS
YOU, DUDE, ARE THE ONLY STALKER I HAVE EVER ENCOUNTERED ONLINE. BE PROUD, IT’S WHO YOU ARE. LEAVE ME ALONE, OR I REPORT YOU. AGAIN.
Daryl
Welcome back… Finally get out of jail rom robbing the liquor store?
knights fan in minny
just in time for mondays welfare check
phantom major
so, the team that led the league in fewest goals allowed last season now wants to play pond hockey every night, with the d men running around all over, constantly wandering out of position.
and people are complimenting the coaching??
It is outrageous that a team with a goalie who is subpar on breakaways and 2-on-1’s would use the strategy of Jeremy Colliton or Brent Burns, instead of the strategy of Vgk last season.
This team is like a 6 man band, with the rest of the guys (i.e. the forwards) just spare parts whose job it is to back up the rovers’ bad pinches, to feed them the puck low to high, to bail out their blunders, and to play pond hockey.
Until they become a balanced team, with an emphasis on positional play and preventing goals against, they will be frustrating to watch and mediocre in the standings.
Richie-Rich
Spot on analysis. A good defense man is on the ice to prevent transition and to puck feed. The lack of offense is an across the board failure and I doubt Eichel will make much of a difference in the DeBoer “system”, whatever that really is – because no one really knows, especially the players. They looks dumbfounded and confused on the power play, defense pinching in leading to opponent breakaways and advantages leading to high chance goal opportunities.
Face it, the offensive skaters have not been able to win the battles in the offensive zone and get stripped or make poor passes that lead to turnovers.
If Eichel can return to his former greatness (which is still in doubt) then VGK will be very strong down the middle. They need to get rid of Kolesar and Carrier and bring up players like Leschy, Rondjberg, and Cotter. That should bring the offense up to an elite status.
I give credit to the FO for where they are at currently with respect to building a possible winner, but coaching and goal tending are the two biggest weaknesses.